We may not be able to gather for annual parades and big firework displays, but we can still enjoy the long holiday weekend responsibly. In this edition of E-Speaks you’ll learn tips to enjoy an autism-friendly July 4, helpful resources to prevent wandering and related incidents and other tips to ensure your child on the spectrum can safely enjoy a summer of fun in the sun.

Ensuring safe summer celebrations

Summertime brings sunshine, celebrations and, for many people with autism and their families, opportunities to wander from safety. More than half of people with autism wander from safety at some point, and studies show that many are at risk for drowning. While the current pandemic has many families staying closer to home this year, take some time to re-visit your family’s wandering emergency plan and how to prevent wandering and related tragedies. Read through our collection of safety resources, or download our Autism Safety Kit for easy-to-use planning guides.

Tips for an autism-friendly Fourth of July

Our annual Fourth of July celebrations may look a bit different this year due to social distancing and COVID-19 related restrictions, but that doesn’t mean your family can’t safely enjoy the festivities. Here are some helpful tips to make this holiday a success!

Making your own fun this summer

James Guttman is the father of two children, a nonverbal eight-year-old with autism and a non-stop-verbal eleven-year-old without autism. In this blog, he explains how your family can still make memories that will last a lifetime this summer if you use your imagination.